7 reasons why homes are more important than you think
In Lebanon, displaced families have begun to return home to their villages, but many find their homes in ruins or destroyed by the war.
Nine-year-old Louis is one such person. Two years ago, in October 2023 his family’s life changed dramatically when Israeli forces attacked their village. Louis and his grandparents had to flee. His father, Edmond, stayed behind to look after the house and the animals. In September 2024, amid the escalation of hostilities, a grenade landed in the family’s garden, close to Edmond, and he decided to leave too.
Following the November 2024 ceasefire, and before withdrawing from the village, Israeli soldiers set fire to several houses, including Louis’s. When the family returned this summer, they found their home severely damaged.
Now, with support from NRC, the family has begun the hard work of repairing their home. All four now sleep in the one bedroom that’s been renovated.
Louis is happy to be back in the village where he grew up: – But I miss our livestock, which disappeared during the attacks. I also miss my toys, which are gone, he says.
NRC has also provided water and repaired damaged infrastructure in the village, and life is slowly beginning to return. Grandfather Elyas is grateful for all the help the family has received, even though their home is still far from fully renovated.
“Winter is coming, and if the doors and windows aren’t fixed, we’ll have a problem. But the most important thing is that we can live together as a family in our own home,” he says, adding: “Home is family, home is love.”
In 2024, we helped more than 1.4 million people around the world to get a roof over their heads.
This is what a home means for a family forced to flee
#1: It can increase your chances of earning an income
After fleeing war or persecution, the opportunity to work and earn money is one of the most effective ways people can rebuild their lives and live in dignity.
Without a proper home, it is very difficult or impossible for displaced families to find paid work. Many live in camps or informal settlements far from towns and markets and can’t afford to travel. Others lack the documents required to work legally. But if you have a home, you have stability and a better chance of getting a job.
#2: It’s easier to send your children to school
Loss of income means that many parents can’t afford to send their children to school. Without a good home, it is hard for children to concentrate on their schoolwork and homework. Today 234 million crisis-affected children need education support, and 85 million among them are completely out of school.
During conflict, schools are often destroyed or become unsafe because they are used for military purposes or to shelter the displaced.
#3: You get better access to health services
Without a proper home, it is difficult for people to access health care and other public services. Many displaced people live in camps or informal settlements with limited or no access to health services. Others lack identity papers or other important documents required to access health care and other public services.
A report on the wider impacts on humanitarian shelter and settlements assistance shows that poor shelter can increase risk to health, and that housing deprivation increases the risk of disability or severe ill health over the course of life by 25 percent.
#4: A home helps to protect children
A good home provides protection. Children are less at risk of violence and sexual abuse. They are less likely to be forced into child labour, married off at a young age or forcibly recruited by armed groups.
#5: You get better access to humanitarian aid
A home ensures that displaced people have better access to humanitarian aid. It is easier for people with a home to seek help from the authorities and organisations that provide aid, and it is easier for humanitarian aid organisations to reach out with the help people need.
#6: A home reduces mental stress
A safe and good home reduces the risk of developing mental stress. Many displaced children struggle with trauma caused by conflict. Without school and a stable living environment, these children’s condition can worsen, and they can miss out on opportunities to receive help.
Even the most basic shelter and settlements assistance can contribute to a sense of normalcy for conflict- and disaster-affected communities.
#7: It’s easier to be included and integrated
Although most displaced families want to return to their original homes, figures show that many have been displaced for years. By mid-2024, 66 percent of the world's refugees had been displaced for more than five years, according to figures from the World Bank.
Having a home increases the opportunity for displaced families to establish strong social, economic and cultural ties with their host community. When people are included and integrated into the local community, they are more able to rebuild their lives and live in a dignified way.
